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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.